Homeopathic Remedies

The word “homeopathy” originates from the Greek words 'homeos' meaning similar, and 'pathos' meaning suffering.

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy, also known as Homoeopathy or Homœopathy was introduced by a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann in 1796.

Hahnemann practiced traditional medicine but became disillusioned with the standard medical treatments of the day.

He started advocating the practice of good hygiene, better nutrition, fresh air and exercise. In his desire to help others, he began researching alternative methods of treatment using materials found in nature.

Homeopathy still uses the findings of Hannemann and is considered both alternative and complimentary medicine.

One of the main reasons for homeopathy's popularity is that homeopathy treats the individual as a whole; not just the illness.

Types of Homeopathic Remedies:

Homeopathic remedies are found in nature and are derived from plants, minerals and animals sources. They based on the theory that "like cures like".

The remedies are substances that will cause the same symptoms in someone who is healthy.

The idea is to stimulate the body's natural defenses to heal those same symptoms in someone who is ill. This is known as the "Law of Similars".

You can download a pdf copy of the entire list of homeopathic remedies.

Remedy Preparation

Homeopathic remedies are prepared using a process known as “potentization”.

Potentization involves diluting and shaking or banging the medicine on a hard surface during processing. The shaking motion is called “succusion”. Succusion releases more potency into the medicine, even at lower dilutions.

The more dilutions, the more potent the medication. Dilution continues until it is unlikely that even a single molecule of the original substance remains.

Remedy Profile

Homeopathic remedies used are determined not only from the symptoms of the sufferer, but by a number of other factors such as medical history, current physical condition and psychological state.

To many this is a more sensible approach,(a holistic approach) rather than the conventional medicine of treating only a symptom.

After all factors are taken into consideration a homeopathic remedy is then selected and/or tailored based on the totality of symptoms.

There are three basic laws of direction in homeopathy and they explain the path the cure takes through the body. They were developed by Dr. Hering. They are:

From top to bottom:

Cures will move from the top of the body to the bottom;

For example, head symptoms will subside first, then moving down the body, followed by any symptoms on the extremities.

From within outwards & from a more important organ to a lesser one:

As the patient's health improves, symptoms will move from inner organs of the body (most vital to life) to outer organs and less vital areas

In the reverse order of the symptom occurring:

Old symptoms often resurface during the healing process in the reverse order in which they first appeared.

Homeopathic Remedy Safety

Homeopathy is particularly effective in treating chronic illnesses and those that fail to respond to conventional treatment.

Homeopathic remedies are considered safe because they are highly diluted. It is useful in treating babies, pregnant women and the elderly as medications are not usually recommended for those groups.

For those that are thinking of trying homeopathy, homeopathy with conventional medicine and can be used in a complementary fashion.